The Southeast Michigan Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for March rebounded to 55, up from 47.3 in February. Though difficult to predict if it will be a sustained increase, early indications suggest the economy is simply emerging from the effects of a particularly harsh winter climate. A PMI value above 50 generally suggests economic growth.

“Three key indices contributed to the sharp upswing in this month’s PMI,” said Nitin Paranjpe, a supply chain faculty member at Wayne State’s School of Business Administration, who interpreted this month’s results. “Production, New Orders and Employment indices all increased strongly, signaling an expanding economy. Also, notably, the Finished Goods Index dropped from 51.7 to 40.9, which also supports a growing economy,” Paranjpe said.